Godiva Festival Coventry

A fantastic day out for the whole family - and it was free

Godiva Festival Coventry

Godiva Festival 2018

On Saturday 1st September, Coventry Godiva festival was held. It went on for three days, but I only went on the Saturday. I went there to see the many bands that were playing. Two of my favourite artists were there: Professor Green and Jonas Blue. Professor Green played towards the end and Jonas Blue was the penultimate act.

It was a warm and sunny day which helped to bring people of all ages out in their droves to see such exceptional acts for free. Now in its 20th year, the festival is becoming increasingly popular – helped of course by the great weather and additional attractions including the fair-ground rides and big wheel.

Security was high and whilst my sister and I were squashed at the front and rather bruised afterwards, it was worth it to see such headlines acts.

The sun was shining throughout the afternoon and early evening, keeping crowds in good spirits.

But it was the music that really got the crowd whipped up.

By the time headline band The Editors came on it was dark – but time for us to leave after a really exciting and fun-filled day.

For me, Professor Green and Jonas Blue were the highlights, although the crowd also loved Gabrielle.

Professor Green whipped the crowd into a frenzy with hits like "Read All About It." The London rapper even got fans forming a mosh pit as they sang along with him. Following him on the main stage was Gabrielle after an 11-year career break.

Speaking to CoventryLive after her performance, Gabrielle said: "It's fantastic because I've been away for a while, and to be able to come back and throw a couple of new songs for an audience who are only familiar with my old stuff is great because they are all so lovely."

Over 70 acts took part over the three days with Ronan Keating headlining on the Sunday. This was a great technical challenge but one which seems to have looked effortless as on the Saturday it all ran perfectly to time. Over 115,00 attended over the three days with Saturday smashing a record for the highest amount of visitors in one place at one time, with over 40,000 people flocking to watch Jonas Blue.

Other activities across the park across the site, the silent disco, a petting zoo, comedy performances, healthy activities and plenty of music, all spread across the fields.

Jonas Blue, who posted a video of his performance on Instagram, commented: “This is why I make music.”

There were more than 70 local artists on show (more than 80 including acts playing on other stages). The diversity was impressive, as was the quality & given the large number of acts who must be of "Godiva quality" who didn't play this year, the impression is of a tremendous local music scene. 

Looking good for Coventry City of Culture 2021.

The whole vibe was excellent.

Jonas Blue and Professor Green were two of the main acts at the festival and they were extremely popular. Everyone was cheering for them as soon as they came on stage. Lilya and I stood right at the front for both acts and cheered extremely loudly for them. I really enjoyed the Godiva festival and I am glad I went, it was extremely enjoyable

Absolutely brilliant festival - it was awesome, amazing atmosphere, no trouble and it's totally free what's not to like.

Keep up the good work Coventry.

See you next year

Header Image Credit: A Hurd

This is a user generated post from our wider Voice community and was not edited by the Voice team. We would love to hear your views too! Sign up for an account and make your Voice heard!

Author

elodie turner hurd

elodie turner hurd

This author has no bio :(

Recent posts by this author

View more posts by elodie turner hurd

0 Comments

Post A Comment

You must be signed in to post a comment. Click here to sign in now